La Bella Storia Weddings & Events

The wonderful Disney touches...

2009-11-11T15:31:00.000-05:00

Brides Against Breast Cancer

2009-10-25T22:12:00.000-04:00

Just made a bunch of bracelets with Kerline and Evelyn to help raise
funds for Brides Against Breast Cancer... Let me know if you would
like one :-)

Wedding Gowns - Lace Elegance

2009-10-11T12:00:00.002-04:00

Ahhh lace.... j'adore!!!! {being Italian may have "just a little" something to do with that ;-)} . Seeing its popularity making a come back down the aisles is fantastic!

Since one of my clients just found her dream gown at Essense of Australia, I decided to explore their new collections. I think their designs have incredibly flattering lines that elongate torsos and complement curves.

This dress from their couture line first caught my attention because of the lace and then kept surprising me while looking at all the details. The taffeta is very cleverly used under the stunning overlay to create a slight trumpet bottom and faux border to the skirt, the corset back looks like it would just hug your body and.... my most favorite of all... the cute little beaded jacket! Wear it for your ceremony for an elegant conservative look (especially if in a Church), then surprise all your guests when entering your reception without it!

Hilton Orlando Grand Opening Gala!!

2009-09-13T00:24:00.001-04:00

Another beautiful ensemble by Tommy and Lindsay!!

Jenni & Monte's Wedding - Simple Elegance

2009-02-01T17:30:00.013-05:00

This wedding truly told the story of one of the sweetest couples I have ever had the pleasure to work with.

Jenni's bubbly personality and our many telephone conversations (she is a resident of Maine), made it real easy for us to become close!

Her and Kayla - best friend and Maid of Honor - defined the inspiration as "Bohemian Peacock"(hence the gorgeous peacock on the cake)... how fun is that??

Not the common series of events for this relaxed wedding, but it certainly was a very memorable one!

With Rainbow Springs State Park as our fabulous backdrop, Rich - amazing eye - Johnson of Spectacle Photo was able to capture these amazing shots...

Inside The 'Halo' Wedding - Video Games News Story | MTV

2009-01-27T21:03:00.002-05:00

Inside The 'Halo' Wedding - Video Games News Story | MTV

Posted using ShareThis

A Match Made In Halo on MTV!!!

2009-01-27T20:57:00.006-05:00

I was privileged to work on this wedding with Full Sail University and had the most fun!! The PR team is fantabulous and the Bride and Groom where so super sweet!!

Master Chief performed the Ceremony and his guards led the girls to the altar... so cool!!

Thanks to Frank from RF Photography for the photos and the wonderful String Quartet for writing and arranging the Halo music for Desirai and John!!

Check out the link above for video and more photos on MTV.

2008-10-02T17:14:00.008-04:00

The 2009 Tour of Gowns is approaching!!

Wew! Where did time go? Already October! As we all know that is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so I thought I would mention the organization that is the dearest to me.

I have been on the Orlando Committee of Brides Against Breast Cancer for 3 years and we are now starting to work on our next sale which will be held at the Fairwinds Alumni Center at UCF on March 13th and 14th, 2009.

At the sale, you will find gowns that have been donated to us by individuals, boutiques and designers. We also have couture gowns that come to us directly from the runways in New York... all at a FRACTION of their original price!!!! Our proceeds go to the Making Memories Foundation who uses them to grant terminally ill patients their final wishes.

If there is enough time between the sale and your wedding (for needed alterations), come check us out: you could find the gown of your dreams and grant a wish all at the same time!!

Do you already have your gown but do not know what to do with it after your wedding? Do you know someone who would like to find a better place for theirs? Please give me a call at 407.484.8286 or email me at val@labellastoria.com to find out how to donate it and get a nice tax deduction at the end of the year!!

Sparkle in Style

2008-07-19T10:06:00.015-04:00

I have a new crush!!!

A couple of brides have asked me suggestions on where to find their accessories, so I decided to a little bit of surfing on the subject.

I checked out Etsy first: they have great options, but I was looking for something more... something stunning that screamed "princess" all over it!

I heard that scream loud and clear when I found Tejani... just a glimpse at these pieces and my eyes where sparkling like gems! Take a look:

I like the fact that every item is handmade and, most of all, that each one of them looks timeless!

Get ready to fall in love and sparkle away... princess style!!

Dream wedding in your budget!

2008-07-13T15:09:00.019-04:00

It was probably many years ago when you started thinking and dreaming of this day... if you are like Monica (Friends), you even have a 10" binder full of photos, notes and ideas!

Today, with the increased cost of living, you might not be able to spend as much as you thought you could... does that mean you have to give up your dream? Absolutely not!

Here are a few tips to help you stick to your budget without compromising your vision:

CHOOSING YOUR DAY

If you have found the location of your dreams and you are a bit flexible with your date, try to ask the manager about any particularly slow weekend or any day other than Saturday for

which they would offer a discount... most of them do!

WHO IS COMING?

Nobody likes or wants to do it, I know... but prioritizing your guest list is a must! Think of the positive side: by limiting your head count, not only you will free up some funds to put towards those elements you just can't do without, you will also have the guarantee to be in the company of the people who are most important to you!

DECOR

You do not have to have dozens of roses to create stunning centerpieces: candles can have the same effect and create a beautiful atmosphere. They also offer many design options as they can be enhanced by flowers or ribbon in your color scheme. You can also find inexpensive containers to fill with finds from the local wholesaler.

WHAT'S ON THE MENU?

So the guest list can't be touched... what about the meal? Instead of a very expensive seated dinner, you could have a fun and extravagant cocktail party with passed hors d'oeuvres and action food stations (a great opportunity for your guests to mingle). If a more traditional approach is best for you, talk to your caterer: they surely can come up with some substitutes for the most expensive ingredients in your dishes.

THE BAR TAB

As you might already know, a signature drink is a great option, but not the only one: limit your selection of beers to domestic and see if the venue will allow you to bring in your own wine without charging you a fee (corkage). Eliminate cordials and liqueurs.

DECIDING WHAT'S IMPORTANT

The biggest piece of advice I could ever give a couple is to begin their journey by figuring out their expectations for the big day: make a list of your priorities and share them with each other so when you have to deal with budget issues, you will be able avoid conflict because you will already know what is important and what can be adjusted.

Be creative and enjoy the experience!

FINALLY!

2008-07-13T14:36:00.002-04:00

It took a while, but I have finally entered the "Blogosphere"!

I hope to be able to help you create a wonderful event by offering you some tips and sharing with you my work and life experiences.

I appreciate you stopping by!